Just three more days until the opening of the 2017 Patriots training camp, but it’s hard not to think about how things will look a little over a month from now during final cuts.
Last year the Pats had really good injury luck. Of course we can say that now because they won the Super Bowl without Sebastian Vollmer and Rob Gronkowski. But it isn’t hard to imagine a world where those could’ve easily been blamed as reasons the Pats fell short of the title. Luckily that’s not the world we live in, aka the one where they can’t win a championship without the best tight end in NFL history.
I’m trying not to let myself think too much about how stacked this roster is and just how hard the cutdown decisions are going to be. There’s already been plenty of 19-0 rumblings, but that’s the last thing on my mind. Let’s just open camp up, get through the first handful of practices without anyone breaking a bone or ligament and we’ll go from there.
Just don’t allow yourself to start comparing this team to 2007’s because, well, this one might be even more talented. It’s certainly deeper. But again, on paper, with perfect health. It’s a slippery slope and before you know it, you’re wondering “maybe they can go 19-0.” Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Assuming the perfect health remains, and it probably won’t, here’s my first projection at a 53-man roster.
QB (3) T.Brady, J.Garoppolo, J.Brissett
(No cuts)
No surprises here. Outstanding group top to bottom. Brissett’s development something to keep an eye on. What if Garoppolo like really lights it up this preseason? Like really, really lights it up? Hmmm…
RB (5) M.Gillislee, J.White, R.Burkhead, D.Lewis, J.Develin
(Cut: Bolden, Daniels, Foster, Gronkowski)
Really fun group, intrigued to see how the snaps play out. Bolden had a good run, but special teams jobs are tenuous at best and it’s time to turn things over, primarily with Burkhead.
WR (6) B.Cooks, J.Edelman, C.Hogan, M.Mitchell, D.Amendola, M.Slater
(Cut: Lucien, Street, Hollister, Carr, Hawkins, White)
Maybe the most talented group since 2007, every one of these guys can play and has Brady’s trust. Except Slater (who’s really a special teamer). Hawkins looks like he could step in should someone get hurt, he might even push Amendola. But this is a near-impossible group to crack.
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, D.Allen, J.O’Shaughnessy
(Cut: Hollister, Lengel, Cotton)
O’Shaughnessy could be just a placeholder and really if Gronk and Allen stay healthy there might not be much need for a third tight end since Allen can block and a tackle like Garcia could be used in heavy sets.
C (1) D.Andrews
G (3) S.Mason, J.Thuney, T.Karras
T (4) N.Solder, M.Cannon, A.Garcia, C.Fleming
(Cut: Ferentz, Farris, Douglas, King, Waddle, McDermott, Croston, Jelks, Rich)
Could see Fleming getting axed too, but going conservative here. Karras’ spot might be one of the shakiest on the team. We all thought he was a Tre Jackson placeholder last year but he went the distance. He’s one to watch. Otherwise it’s a great group with that has youth and experience.
DE (5) T.Flowers, R.Ninkovich, K.Ealy, D.Rivers, D.Wise
(Cut: Grissom)
Rivers will have to take Grissom’s special teams snaps, but offers more upside on defense. Curious how he and Wise are utilized.
DT (4) M.Brown, A.Branch, V.Valentine, L.Guy
(Cut: Hamilton, Kilgo, Augusta, Butler)
Same top trio as 2016 with Guy bringing some pass rush presence. Hamilton is a top practice squad candidate and could see time with the team sometime this year.
ILB(5) D.Hightower, D. Harris, E.Roberts, K.Van Noy, J.Freeny.
(Cut: McClellan, Langi, Ellis, Bates)
Toyed with Langi making it but I think he starts off on the PS. Still see this spot as a priority and could see another addition. McClellan the odd mad out with the addition of Harris.
CB (5) M.Butler, S.Gilmore, E.Rowe, C.Jones, J.Jones
(Cut: Coleman, Moore, Killings, Thomas)
Just too much talent here for an UDFA to sneak on. Coleman a tough cut, he’s physical and I wouldn’t completely rule him out.
SS (4) P.Chung, N.Ebner, D.Travis, B.King
FS (2) D.McCourty, D.Harmon
(Cut: Richards, Thompson, Jones)
Tried to squeeze Jones on but I think Travis is the better need fit and special teams player. He’s our pick for the annual undrafted rookie who makes the team.
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona
Tried and true.